Abstract
Four out of every 10 formerly incarcerated people are reincarcerated within the first three years of release (PEW Center on the States, 2011). In recent years, scholars have studied the relationship between health status and recidivism (Massoglia, 2008; Wallace & Wang, 2020). Correctional institutions are environments in which people who are incarcerated are subjected to traumatic experiences, do not receive proper treatment for physical and mental illnesses, are unable to maintain a healthy diet, and have limited opportunities to participate in physical activity (Cloud et al., 2023; Novisky et al., 2022; Wallace & Wang, 2020). These experiences can lead to health deficits or worsen pre-existing conditions (Cloud et al., 2023). The effects of these health problems may interfere with a formerly incarcerated person’s ability to overcome reentry challenges (Fahmy & Mitchell, 2022; Gill & Wilson, 2017). Recreational Therapy (RT) is a strengths-based practice that utilizes purposeful recreational activities to enhance an individual’s health and quality of life (Anderson & Heyne, 2012; National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, n.d.; Robertson & Long, 2008). This modality uses delivery systems in recreation, health education, and community resources to improve lifestyle habits, build healthy coping skills, and identify social supports (Anderson & Heyne, 2012; Porter 2015). The benefits of Recreational Therapy align with problem areas commonly found among formerly incarcerated people. However, there is little research on the use of this modality as a form of community reintegration.
To understand the extent in which Recreational Therapy can be used as a modality to support formerly incarcerated people in their transition back to the community, a manual for a pilot program is presented in this project. This pilot program will be designed as an additional service offered by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) in Sacramento, California. The Anti-Recidivism Coalition is a community-based organization that provides a variety of reentry services and resources such as housing, mental health, and employment (Anti-Recidivism Coalition, n.d.). The systematic process used in Recreational Therapy, along with previous research surrounding incarceration and health, will provide the framework for this pilot program manual.